Pros

  • Stunning natural setting on Kauai's lush northern coast
  • Dramatic views from some rooms and restaurants
  • Big pool with poolside service
  • Lovely beach with calm waters and excellent snorkeling
  • Fine dining restaurant from Jean-Georges Vongerichten
  • 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
  • Excellent breakfast buffet
  • Warm, modern Hawaiian decor throughout
  • Rooms have big flat-screen TVs and iPod docks
  • Suites have personal butlers
  • Supervised kids activities (for a fee)
  • Free Wi-Fi
See More Pros

Cons

  • Wi-Fi strength can be spotty; faster speed available for a daily fee
  • Food is pricey; complaints that some of it is also mediocre
  • Complaints of minor datedness and maintenance issues in some rooms
  • Poor water pressure in showers
  • Cell phone reception can be spotty
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The 251-room Princeville Resort is considered by many to be the premier luxury option in Hawaii, and given the stunning setting overlooking Hanalei Bay, it's hard to disagree. Guests can expect warm, sophisticated decor, suites with personal butler service, world-class golf, and a memorable breakfast buffet on a terrace with gorgeous ocean views. The discerning clientele this resort attracts will find little to fault, though if one had to nitpick, the formal dress code might not appeal to everyone, and food prices -- as one might expect at this caliber of property -- are steep. The location on Kauai's lush, ruggedly beautiful northern coast makes for natural beauty that's unparalleled, but rain is more frequent here and the beach, though lovely, doesn't have the finest sand.

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Princeville Resort

Scene

A first-rate luxury resort with a stunning setting

The Princeville Resort is a polished luxury property that delivers a stellar oceanfront getaway experience. But its reputation as one of the most impressive beach resorts not only in Hawaii, but worldwide, comes down to one thing: the stunning natural setting. There are other resorts in Hawaii offering comparable levels of luxury (such as the Four Seasons Maui), as well as sunnier weather and nicer beaches. But none of them can match the Princeville's natural beauty. The resort overlooks Hanalei Bay on Kauai's lush northern coast, and the views of the ocean and rugged green mountains are jaw-dropping.

The interiors of the resort also impress. The vibe is hushed and formal (there's even a dress code), and the decor is rich and warm, with dark woods contrasted against creams and corals. Service is personalized and attentive, and those staying in suites will have their own butler on hand to unpack, press garments, and deliver morning coffee. There have been complaints of the occasional service hiccough (food and drink service, for example, can be slow), but most will find that the staff lives up to or surpasses expectations.

All of this luxury, of course, comes at a high price, and guests should come prepared to pay dearly for everything. Almost nothing here comes for free. The food is expensive (some might say overpriced), and the many attentive staffers accept -- and often seem to expect -- tips. Many will expect this; others might feel nickel-and-dimed.

See More Scene

Location

On Kauai's gorgeous North Shore, with stunning views of blue ocean and green mountains

The Princeville Resort s is located in the ritzy Princeville resort community on Kauai's northern shore, which is home to gated communities and golf courses. The town of Hanalei, a short drive away, offers a smattering of popular take-out and plate-lunch spots, outdoor shopping malls such as Ching Young Shopping Village, and the famous, two-mile Hanalei Bay Beach, where parts of South Pacific were filmed and where huge waves attract the best professional surfers in the winter.

Kauai's North Shore is best known for its dramatic scenery and outdoor activities, and the Princeville offers easy access to both. The resort is a convenient home base for hiking the stunning Na'Pali Coast, kayaking in the Hanalei River, surfing in Hanalei Bay, zip-lining, visiting Queen's Bath, and more.

  • 3-minute drive (and then a short hike) to Queen's Bath, a big natural tidal pool tucked among lava rock on the ocean
  • 7-minute drive to Princeville Ranch Adventures for zip-lining, hiking, and kayaking tours
  • 11-minute drive to the town of Hanalei
  • 15-minute drive to the town of Kilauea
  • 27-minute drive to Limahuli Garden and Preserve, a wildlife refuge
  • 27-minute drive to the Na'Pali Coast State Park
See More Location

Rooms

Warm, sophisticated rooms, some with great ocean views

Rooms at the Princeville have modern Hawaiian decor and an earthy color palette: Picture lots of wood, warm corals, beiges, and creams. Views are of the garden, mountains, or ocean, and some rooms have terraces.

Big marble bathrooms have shower/tub combos and and electronic privacy windows that can go from clear to opaque with the flick of a switch.

Suites come with personal butler service. Butlers unpack and pack suitcases, press garments, and deliver coffee and tea to the rooms in the morning (upon request).

  • Plush bedding includes down comforters and 300-thread-count linens
  • 42-inch and 52-inch flat-screen TVs
  • iPod docks and CD players
  • Marble bathrooms with big shower/tub combos and Remede bath products; some complaints of poor water pressure.
  • Robes and slippers
  • Free Wi-Fi, though there's a daily charge for faster Wi-Fi
  • Turndown service and twice-daily housekeeping
  • Free bottled water
See More Rooms

Beach

The beach isn't Hawaii's best, but waters are calm and views are spectacular

The beach is on the small side, and the white sand isn't Hawaii's finest -- nor is the weather Hawaii's sunniest. But the views are absolutely spectacular, and the calm waters protected by the Anini reef offer excellent snorkeling.

  • Calm waters with excellent snorkeling
  • Stand with free ice water
  • Food and drink service from Nalu Kai Grill & Bar; some complaints of slow service.
  • Plastic lounge chairs with netting, not cushions
  • Umbrellas for shade
  • Free pineapple spears and chilled towels
See More Beach

Pool

5,000-square-foot infinity pool with unbelievable views

The resort's large 24-hour pool has an infinity edge, but isn't a true infinity pool as a row of loungers separate the pool from the sea. The views of blue water and rugged green mountains are about as impressive as they come.

  • Poolside food and drink service from Nalu Kai Grill & Bar; some complaints of slow service.
  • Plastic lounge chairs with netting, not cushions
  • Umbrellas for shade
  • Free pineapple spears and chilled towels
See More Pool

Fitness Center

Big 24-hour fitness center with modern machines, but most exercisers will face a wall rather than the ocean.

The 24-hour fitness center is 1,000 square feet and has ample modern equipment including cardio machines, strength training machines, free weights, and exercise balls. There are a couple of windows facing the ocean, but almost all of the machines face a wall.

  • Personal trainers and classes available
  • Sauna and steam room
  • Hydrotherapy showers
  • Oceanside yoga and Pilates classes for a fee
See More Fitness Center

Spa

Spa with 12 treatment rooms and regional ingredients

The 10,000-square-foot spa offers a range of treatments incorporating local ingredients such as fruit and flowers. Couples treatment rooms are available, as are massages in a cabana by the ocean.

See More Spa

Family

Extremely kid-friendly, with kids activities and calm waters at the beach

The Young Voyagers Club is open daily for children age five to 12 (fees apply). Activities are supervised by highly qualified, CPR certified chaperones and may include tidal pool explorations, lei making, and beach bonfires.

  • Cribs
  • Free extra beds allowed in certain rooms
  • Babysitting services
  • Pack 'N Play Yards
  • Baby toiletries
  • Mini-fridges and microwaves upon request
  • Calm waters at the beach
  • Connecting rooms available
See More Family

All-Inclusive / Food

A Jean-Georges restaurant with sunset views, an excellent breakfast buffet, and a poolside grill

The Kauai Grill, the resort's fine fining restaurant, is helmed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. It's a sophisticated but informal space with round wooden booths; sample menu items include Mahi-Mahi with nut crust and Soy Glazed Short Ribs. There are excellent ocean (and sunset) views through large windows.

Makana Terrace is the main dining room, serving all three meals in a casual space with wicker chairs, soaring glass windows, and outdoor seating. Fresh sushi is prepared nightly. The breakfast buffet served here is excellent, and the terrace has stunning ocean views.

  • Napali Cafe serves coffee, sandwiches, and pastries to-go
  • Nalu Kai Grill and Bar is a poolside restaurant offering light Mediterranean fare; pool and beach service are available from here.
  • A bar has ocean views, small plates, and cocktails. A sunset champagne toast takes place nightly.
  • The Mailani Dinner Show, offered on Thursdays during high season, includes hula performances.
  • 24-hour room service
See More All-Inclusive / Food

Oyster Hotel Review

Princeville Resort

Scene

A first-rate luxury resort with a stunning setting

The Princeville Resort is a polished luxury property that delivers a stellar oceanfront getaway experience. But its reputation as one of the most impressive beach resorts not only in Hawaii, but worldwide, comes down to one thing: the stunning natural setting. There are other resorts in Hawaii offering comparable levels of luxury (such as the Four Seasons Maui), as well as sunnier weather and nicer beaches. But none of them can match the Princeville's natural beauty. The resort overlooks Hanalei Bay on Kauai's lush northern coast, and the views of the ocean and rugged green mountains are jaw-dropping.

The interiors of the resort also impress. The vibe is hushed and formal (there's even a dress code), and the decor is rich and warm, with dark woods contrasted against creams and corals. Service is personalized and attentive, and those staying in suites will have their own butler on hand to unpack, press garments, and deliver morning coffee. There have been complaints of the occasional service hiccough (food and drink service, for example, can be slow), but most will find that the staff lives up to or surpasses expectations.

All of this luxury, of course, comes at a high price, and guests should come prepared to pay dearly for everything. Almost nothing here comes for free. The food is expensive (some might say overpriced), and the many attentive staffers accept -- and often seem to expect -- tips. Many will expect this; others might feel nickel-and-dimed.

See More Scene

Location

On Kauai's gorgeous North Shore, with stunning views of blue ocean and green mountains

The Princeville Resort s is located in the ritzy Princeville resort community on Kauai's northern shore, which is home to gated communities and golf courses. The town of Hanalei, a short drive away, offers a smattering of popular take-out and plate-lunch spots, outdoor shopping malls such as Ching Young Shopping Village, and the famous, two-mile Hanalei Bay Beach, where parts of South Pacific were filmed and where huge waves attract the best professional surfers in the winter.

Kauai's North Shore is best known for its dramatic scenery and outdoor activities, and the Princeville offers easy access to both. The resort is a convenient home base for hiking the stunning Na'Pali Coast, kayaking in the Hanalei River, surfing in Hanalei Bay, zip-lining, visiting Queen's Bath, and more.

  • 3-minute drive (and then a short hike) to Queen's Bath, a big natural tidal pool tucked among lava rock on the ocean
  • 7-minute drive to Princeville Ranch Adventures for zip-lining, hiking, and kayaking tours
  • 11-minute drive to the town of Hanalei
  • 15-minute drive to the town of Kilauea
  • 27-minute drive to Limahuli Garden and Preserve, a wildlife refuge
  • 27-minute drive to the Na'Pali Coast State Park
See More Location

Rooms

Warm, sophisticated rooms, some with great ocean views

Rooms at the Princeville have modern Hawaiian decor and an earthy color palette: Picture lots of wood, warm corals, beiges, and creams. Views are of the garden, mountains, or ocean, and some rooms have terraces.

Big marble bathrooms have shower/tub combos and and electronic privacy windows that can go from clear to opaque with the flick of a switch.

Suites come with personal butler service. Butlers unpack and pack suitcases, press garments, and deliver coffee and tea to the rooms in the morning (upon request).

  • Plush bedding includes down comforters and 300-thread-count linens
  • 42-inch and 52-inch flat-screen TVs
  • iPod docks and CD players
  • Marble bathrooms with big shower/tub combos and Remede bath products; some complaints of poor water pressure.
  • Robes and slippers
  • Free Wi-Fi, though there's a daily charge for faster Wi-Fi
  • Turndown service and twice-daily housekeeping
  • Free bottled water
See More Rooms

Beach

The beach isn't Hawaii's best, but waters are calm and views are spectacular

The beach is on the small side, and the white sand isn't Hawaii's finest -- nor is the weather Hawaii's sunniest. But the views are absolutely spectacular, and the calm waters protected by the Anini reef offer excellent snorkeling.

  • Calm waters with excellent snorkeling
  • Stand with free ice water
  • Food and drink service from Nalu Kai Grill & Bar; some complaints of slow service.
  • Plastic lounge chairs with netting, not cushions
  • Umbrellas for shade
  • Free pineapple spears and chilled towels
See More Beach

Pool

5,000-square-foot infinity pool with unbelievable views

The resort's large 24-hour pool has an infinity edge, but isn't a true infinity pool as a row of loungers separate the pool from the sea. The views of blue water and rugged green mountains are about as impressive as they come.

  • Poolside food and drink service from Nalu Kai Grill & Bar; some complaints of slow service.
  • Plastic lounge chairs with netting, not cushions
  • Umbrellas for shade
  • Free pineapple spears and chilled towels
See More Pool

Fitness Center

Big 24-hour fitness center with modern machines, but most exercisers will face a wall rather than the ocean.

The 24-hour fitness center is 1,000 square feet and has ample modern equipment including cardio machines, strength training machines, free weights, and exercise balls. There are a couple of windows facing the ocean, but almost all of the machines face a wall.

  • Personal trainers and classes available
  • Sauna and steam room
  • Hydrotherapy showers
  • Oceanside yoga and Pilates classes for a fee
See More Fitness Center

Spa

Spa with 12 treatment rooms and regional ingredients

The 10,000-square-foot spa offers a range of treatments incorporating local ingredients such as fruit and flowers. Couples treatment rooms are available, as are massages in a cabana by the ocean.

See More Spa

Family

Extremely kid-friendly, with kids activities and calm waters at the beach

The Young Voyagers Club is open daily for children age five to 12 (fees apply). Activities are supervised by highly qualified, CPR certified chaperones and may include tidal pool explorations, lei making, and beach bonfires.

  • Cribs
  • Free extra beds allowed in certain rooms
  • Babysitting services
  • Pack 'N Play Yards
  • Baby toiletries
  • Mini-fridges and microwaves upon request
  • Calm waters at the beach
  • Connecting rooms available
See More Family

All-Inclusive / Food

A Jean-Georges restaurant with sunset views, an excellent breakfast buffet, and a poolside grill

The Kauai Grill, the resort's fine fining restaurant, is helmed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. It's a sophisticated but informal space with round wooden booths; sample menu items include Mahi-Mahi with nut crust and Soy Glazed Short Ribs. There are excellent ocean (and sunset) views through large windows.

Makana Terrace is the main dining room, serving all three meals in a casual space with wicker chairs, soaring glass windows, and outdoor seating. Fresh sushi is prepared nightly. The breakfast buffet served here is excellent, and the terrace has stunning ocean views.

  • Napali Cafe serves coffee, sandwiches, and pastries to-go
  • Nalu Kai Grill and Bar is a poolside restaurant offering light Mediterranean fare; pool and beach service are available from here.
  • A bar has ocean views, small plates, and cocktails. A sunset champagne toast takes place nightly.
  • The Mailani Dinner Show, offered on Thursdays during high season, includes hula performances.
  • 24-hour room service
See More All-Inclusive / Food

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Golf Course

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.